Arsenal have identified former Spurs star as replacement for Sanchez

Arsenal have identified former Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale as a viable replacement for Alexis Sanchez who looks set to leave the club in January or the summer, according to Don Balon.

The Gunners are reportedly on the opinion that Bale is one of the few players out there who fits the profile of being a worthy replacement for the Chilean. He has Premier League experience and is considered one of the best players at his position currently. The Gunners sentiments were echoed by former Spurs and Arsenal midfielder David Bentley, who said earlier in the month:

“In the January transfer window they are going to be struggling to get a concrete, long-term replacement.

“It’s a difficult market to operate under because nobody wants to release their players. But for me, if there was an option of going for Bale – who is available and can have an effect long-term – then Arsenal will pay the wages.

“That would put the cat amongst the pigeons. That would be controversial to say the least.

“But if you are looking around the world at the minute for an unknown or a foreign player without Premier League experience then it’s very difficult to get them up to speed straight away.

There are a few rumours and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was available and 86 million would be a snip. Bale can do everything and is one of the best players I’ve seen.”

Rumours of Bale leaving Stadio Bernabeu have intensified recently with the Welsh international having found himself on the receiving end of criticism due to his injury proneness.

But should an offer from Arsenal arrive at the Real Madrid offices in January, the surrounding circumstances of such a potential deal could turn out to be too much to bear for Bale. While the Gunners might see commercial value in giving Bale the wages he demands – around £300,000 a week – it is unlikely that the Welshman would consider a move across to the Emirates after having spent five years at Tottenham Hotspur.

He might deem Manchester United and Bayern Munich, who have also expressed interest in him, as more reasonable options for his future.

What looks certain is that Bale is set to leave Madrid soon. But the likely player unwillingness to do a Sol Campbell will surely force the Gunners to look elsewhere for a potential Alexis Sanchez replacement. And with the quite short and rigid nature of the January transfer window, finding one looks increasingly unlikely.